Search Merchant Seamen's Campaign Medal Records 1939-1945

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First name

Last name

Date and year of birth

Event year

Discharge number

Honours

The Merchant Navy was a lifeline for Britain during the Second World War, carrying food, fuel, munitions, and raw materials from across the world. From the very first day of the war, merchant ships came under attack, and throughout the conflict they faced relentless danger from German U-boats, aircraft, mines, and surface raiders. The Battle of the Atlantic became the longest continuous campaign of the war, with merchant vessels sailing in heavily escorted convoys to maintain Britain’s survival. These crews often sailed with minimal defence, long hours, and in harsh conditions, yet their work kept industry moving and ensured that both the armed forces and civilians were supplied.

Service in the Merchant Navy was among the most hazardous roles of the war. At least 30,000 British merchant seamen lost their lives—proportionally one of the highest casualty rates of any service. Despite this, they continued to sail in every theatre, from the freezing Arctic convoys to the Mediterranean and the Far East. Their contribution was critical to Allied victory, though for many years it remained under-recognised. Today, their medals, logbooks, and service records help to tell the story of extraordinary courage, resilience, and sacrifice at sea.